So... what is he?

[@Mike1__]

The line mates thing is 100% the issue. Not just for Bedard, but everyone else on the team. Kurashev was a beast the Hawks first two games of the season and their best offensive player. And then the coach shuffles you around, throws you on the second line PP with 4th liners, and then he went through a stint of being invisible. Kurashev and Bedard should be on the PP together and be line mates from the start of the season. Bedard would have better numbers. The NHL is so tough that every play matters. This makes line mates and chemistry crucial for even the best of talents.

[@Toro_Da_Corsa]

That's right. McDavid had RNH+ Drai ect, Matthews had Marner. As seen in this graph i.postimg.cc/FRjj4tjY/Screenshot-20241104-152345-You-Tube.jpg

[@LoganJones88]

The best players can adapt to any linemates

[@Mike1__]

@ There is no time to adapt and learn to play off the other guy. After 2 games, there is already a new line mate.

[@goji059]

No, it's your sign..... GREAT PLAYERS make those around him, better..... He needs maturing

[@korbendallas7181]

I was about to say it's the Kurashev factor. They were rolling at times last season.

[@UncleSkoden28]

“Is Ovechkin generational?” The guys about the break Gretzkys goal record 😂😂

[@Alpha1Epsilon2]

bros gotta play as the most selfish player just to reach it. skipping assists and play making doesn't make you generational

[@Pksubbaru]

@@Alpha1Epsilon2 you sound stupid

[@dannycarlow8204]

@@UncleSkoden28 A generational talent makes players around him better. Ovi doesn't make anyone around him better, he just wants them to give him the puck so he can take a shot that he has about a 1% chance of scoring on when the guy on the other side of the crease has a wide open net. He doesn't care about his teammate's or team's success, just his own. He's a poacher, plain and simple.

[@zigfield723]

Ovechkin is a generational shooter, but not the overall level of Gretzky, Lemieux, McDavid. Look at the ppg, simple.

[@floodedmind634]

@@dannycarlow8204 and youre a hater, not a big ovi fan but this is clear as day, you hatin boi

[@switchblade4737]

Ovechkin is once in a lifetime player, if he was American we would hear that all the time

[@TimmSpinn]

The whole praising Putin and making his profile picture on social media of him and Putin together made it easy to not like the guy. His skill and talent may be respected, but let's not hoist up someone who buddies up to an evil dictator and killer.

[@marcussorensen5549]

Have never heard anyone say this, but I think you’re right

[@TSJ99]

@paddyb456 Ahh, the overrated stat of +/- brought up again. Tell me how that mattered when Ovi won it all in 2018? He will go down in history as the top goal scorer and one of the greatest of all time

[@nadaduo1765]

@@TSJ99 no he won't and matthews will score more by the time he retires lol

[@Duck-gk3rq]

@@nadaduo1765 Matthews won't have it. Matthews game relies on speed and perfect shots, he will not have speed in 5-6 years. He has that much time to get like 500 goals or something. Not happening.

[@JTD3]

the ovi slander is wild he's generational without question.

[@gregc8483]

I agree!

[@Derek_Reynolds]

ov is a once in a lifetime player

[@innergranola1299]

Seriously. Also considering the revolving door of teammates he had at the beginning of his career? He's a monster.

[@toke7342]

Ovechkin is a little overrated

[@timpietrovito2663]

He has 18 30-goal seasons and 9 50-goal seasons and almost 1600 pts lol

[@bobbywells7286]

Ovi had a 106 points his rookie season, on an awful team, in the dead puck era, without Backstrom. Oh, and he beat out Crosby for the Calder that year. And then there’s the whole rest of his record breaking career too… But he’s not generational?

[@SchmidtyFilms]

Ovechkin came in at 20 whereas Crosby was 18. Ovechkin also had several years of pro hockey in the KHL under his belt by the time he got to the NHL.

[@junked5214]

@@SchmidtyFilms so is this supposed to be your argument why Ovi isn't generational? The guy is 31 goals short of Gretzky's goal record. That alone is generational

[@SchmidtyFilms]

@@junked5214 No, just explaining why comparing Crosby and Ovechkin's first year isn't apples to apples.

[@edited1325]

⁠@@SchmidtyFilms1500+ points isn’t generational?

[@Roboswaggins]

@@SchmidtyFilms to be fair, what was meant to be Ovi’s rookie season, the NHL and players union cancelled the season. What’s a freshly drafted number 1 player supposed to do, just not play?

[@Ryan_Bolton11]

He is an incredible player for only being 19. He is playing against a guy who has been in the nhl as long as he has been alive. Give him time he needs good linemates and more experience under his belt.

[@trvman1]

IF and that's a BIG if, Chicago ever get's a GOOD team, he will be fine. Jack Hughes didn't do all that great his 1st year and 2nd year and look at him now. But he is on a much better team. If Chicago doesn't start making some "moves", he will be wasted in Chicago.

[@jordancarlin9687]

almost 100 gp at 19. Almost a point per game player . This video is silly . I didn’t even watch it . The title turned me off

[@onajourneytosomewherek8242]

he needs a better head coach as well

[@Beezer1742]

@@jordancarlin9687Crosby had 102 at 18 and 120 at 19. Bedard is not in the Crosby/McDavid/Ovi tier

[@jordancarlin9687]

@@Beezer1742 so ?

[@Gundams33d00]

What is he? A Teenager in a league of men..Talent or not the jump from schooling people your own age to people who throw their weight around and are the best.. the transition is hard.

[@Shurehlm]

Lots of teenagers come into this league and kill it. Bedard didn't, not because he was 18, but because he's not a "generational talent".

[@innergranola1299]

He did win the Calder lest we forget.

[@viralvexta]

⁠@@Shurehlmhe literally had 64 points last year and won the Calder, he’s obviously generational.

[@xajti]

Won the calder with 64 points while having an injury

[@taxi615]

Wasnt hard for McDavid, 😂

[@ericwitt318]

Ik this wasn’t the topic but it was mentioned, what about ovechkin isn’t a generational talent

[@xoanone]

the fact that he's russian ig

[@innergranola1299]

A guy who stands a chance to break the goals record... definitely not generational. Especially in an era considered more difficult to score. Ovi is the man. I remember in high school when he hit the behind-the-back goal and I've been a fan ever since.

[@ethanparker7900]

@@innergranola1299 yah from 2005-2019 was such a low scoring time and ever since covid began scoring hasn't been as impressive since everyone is doing it

[@StrighhtJuckk]

this channel is just stupid af lol it's run by some kid that pushes hot takes to get views

[@Arsen1c42]

@@innergranola1299 Yeah, Ovi popped off in his first few years. I remember a few short years after he pulled the behind the back going to see him play expecting to see a McDavid level of talent and effort. I was incredibly disappointed. He is THE laziest player on the ice. He is a amazing goal scorer - but not a generational player. A generational player requires more than just a one way game in my opinion.

[@Duck-gk3rq]

Not putting Ovechkin in the same category as Crosby, Howe, or Gretzky is an INCREDIBLE amount of disrespect.

[@daveanderson4386]

McDavid (100 pts) was surrounded by talent like Draisaitl, Eberle, Lucic (he was good still AND scary), Nugent-Hopkins right from the start. Crosby (120 pts) had some pretty good guys in his second year too: Malkin, Stall, Letang, and you could arguably add Gonchar, Recchi, and Whitney to that mix. I'm not trying to diminish what they accomplished at all because both were mind-boggling good in their second year. BUT, I don't think you can compare Bedard here without acknowledging that the team around him does not compare well to the teams each McDavid and Crosby had in their second year. He may not be a Crosby or McDavid level player, but I think given the talent around Bedard it's simply too soon to make the comparison.

[@darpompie4354]

The players you mentioned McDavid played with back then, were also rookies and not the players they are today. Drai was a nobody and sent down to the minors to pick up his game. Eberle was traded because he just couldn't play with McDavid or anyone else at that time. Lucic...Other than a few points during his first year was slow and awful. It was also a gong show of revolving players and coaches. To say the Oilers were even a decent team back then would be a gross exaggeration. The only consistent thing was McDavid being at the top end of the scoring race no matter how sucky his revolving door line mates were. From what I've seen, Bedard is going to be great, but he's no McDavid.

[@Toro_Da_Corsa]

Also Crosby made hay with the post lockout rules changes. He never exceeded his 2nd year in points

[@Nic_Garscum]

McDavid had Yakupov (lol) and Benoit pouliot ( double lol) as his line mates in his rookie season, in a lower scoring league, and STILL finished over a point per game. Saying Bedard is comparable to McDavid is laughable, this is the Matthews debate all over again. If you think Bedard is on the same level as McDavid, you're dumb, period.

[@OhYaSure]

Lucic wasn’t good or scary on the Oilers. Lol. wtf are you talking about.

[@ninenine2438]

Too many excuses. I love how you didn't mention Ovechkin who had 106 points in his rookie year while playing with absolutely no one notable. He also did it in a time where getting 100 points was alot harder and the scoring was very low. Bedard is a great player but guys like McDavid, Crosby, Malkin and Ovechkin came into the league insanely ready and good at 19 years old. Bedards a good player and will be a 100 point scorer, but those guys I mentioned are just different. Crosby and McDavid have never had a season less than PPG. Bedard was rightfully compared to these guys but he isn't as ready as these guys were when they came in.

[@mikemanitowabie7539]

One thing is for sure he is very good

[@timpietrovito2663]

How could you possibly suggest Nathan Mackinnon is higher on the hockey Mt. Rushmore than Ovechkin? He had 52 goals and 109 pts his rookie season; he has 9 50-goal season; he is 31 goals short of passing Wayne Gretzky for number 1 in hockey history.

[@GaciMeister]

he's not as talented and versatile as 29

[@ethanparker7900]

106 points but i see what you're saying

[@Toro_Da_Corsa]

Ovechkin beat Crosby too

[@n9nelives751]

MacKinnon is leagues above Ovechkin as a hockey player, Ovechkin is only a generational goal scorer. That's all. You're insane for thinking that MacKinnon ISN'T higher than Ovechkin on that list.

[@fatshibaballs]

@@n9nelives751absolutely not, Nathan will never pass Ovi in points even if you took 200 goals away from Ovi 😅

[@bigheadhockey]

Also worth noting that his on-ice shooting percentage is ~1.5% lower this year than last year (he's lost 2-3 points due to less fortunate bounces/teammate shooting/worse angles). His shooting % is also half of what it was last year and equal to Chris Wagner at ~5%. For a guy with a shot this good, it looks really similar to where Ovechkin was at the beginning of last season where he couldn't buy a goal despite his shot. In the Big Head opinion, he's not getting the bounces that he could and the 2nd half of this season could be absolutely insane (goal per game for a 10+ game stretch).

[@carson_rock195]

He is what I expected from him, the media hyped him, and it's not easy to get into a much tougher league to get yourself into, he's in his second season, and he's not put up wild numbers like some Generational Talent we've seen before, but the media made him seem like McDavid 2.0 but it's not so easy to do so. Give him time to find his grove and he'll be a great player, just don't be mega disappointed if the media is off a bit

[@milanek1527]

Yeah but people are expecting ovechkin numbers by year 5. Everyone basically is.

[@Shurehlm]

Things would be fine if we just admit he's not a generational talent. A very good, very flawed, #1 pick, but not a "generational talent".

[@carson_rock195]

@milanek1527 and what a lot of that type of thought comes from was overhyping and the media (SportsNet and shit) and everyone has this Gretzky-like mentality about him, but I knew it was a bit much, and so far I'm right, I don't like that I'm right bc I wanted to see him thrive, it also doesn't help with how shit Chicago became to get him and are putting pieces but not quite building around him, just signing who's available and try with that

[@Ctrontite]

The guy is playing on a terrible team, it’s not easy to carry them all on his back.

[@carson_rock195]

@Ctrontite I agree 100% I mentioned that in a reply, but the way the media made it sound like he was gonna be the next mcdavid or even Gretzky but, no he's a skilled player but unless he proves me wrong (which I want to happen) then what the media has said has been wrong, before he was drafted, EVERYONE was talking about him, he was talked about in every intermission, even games between teams who don't have a chance to get him unless he got picked 26th overall, so lots of overhyping and pressure on a skilled kid who's never been close to playing at an NHL level

[@Ferd_Turgeson]

Great topic, was hoping someone would talk about this. I think he’ll be great, but I am growing concerned about the coaching and system he’s in. Not hair on fire yet but Richardson has yet to convince me he’s the man for the job and there are low key stirrings in the fan base to this effect- including the impact it’s having on Bedsy.

[@jesse223]

I honestly can't stand Ovi, but if the greatest goal scorer of all time isn't a generational player, then I don't know what the term even means.

[@Stzu-s2bt55]

So when Bedard was in juniors. The scouts and people that work around the development gave him generation talent status. Only a few players have it. Crosby, John Tavares, Connor Mcdavid also are giving that Generational Talent status.

[@Daniel-yo9uh]

I think he's a "generational talent" if you use that term in the watered-down way people have come to. I think (but who knows) he's ultimately a player who's value will be consistently near players like Draisaitl, Kaprizov, and Kucherov. "Generational", to me, means Crosby, Ovechkin, McDavid, MacKinnon, Makar, and maybe Matthews. Hockey has gotten so good that it makes sense that theres more elite talent but that also means we should be more precise about how we talk about elite players.

[@johnlocke_1]

I said it last year, I'll say it this year: the kid is good, but not great. He is purely offense. He is not defensively responsible. He's got hands, but that's the extent of it. He is small, he is slow, and he doesn't care to back check.

[@Clippers16]

Watching him play u see moments of brilliance, it just doesn’t always end up in the back of the net 🤷‍♂️

[@DavidDolus]

And thats not generational talent. Players like Zegras also has these his skill show off type of plays amd where are they now? Forgotten.

[@fishinfrenzy2544]

@@DavidDolusterrible comparison

[@pellS25]

I see him more like Jack Hughes. They have the same flashy style of play, with Bedard having slightly better potential.

[@l.a.w.5738]

Totally agree, better shot but slightly less quick

[@judahloewen5752]

I don’t think he’s generation but still a great piece to build around.

[@zcohen17]

Even suggesting Ovi isnt generational is stupid af

[@DeerHunterDanOfficial]

I honestly thought Bedard would be a lot better after watching World Juniors, but I know it could be because he's got one of the worst teams. I agree with you 💯 on him being more Matthews than Mcdavid or Sid

[@DavidDolus]

Matthews scored a ton of goals since game one consistently up to this day apart from injury periods. Bedard only dreams of that. He is more like Rantannen Nylander Marner type of player.

[@danielpetrucci8952]

​@@DavidDolusPeople also forget that Matthews scored 40 goals in his rookie year playing with Zach Hyman and Connor Brown also Matthews has size to his advantage so he can protect the puck better and he can score goals in different ways one timers his signature shot tip ins deflections backhands etc.

[@GuloGulo420]

Matthews had more goals in his first game than this kid has all season.

[@DavidDolus]

@@danielpetrucci8952 Simply put Matthews is a natural goals scorer while Bedard is still finding himself. We ll see what comes of him. However not all nr1 picks make the big dawgs.

[@danielpetrucci8952]

@@DavidDolus I get that when it you watch Bedard closely he shoots the puck just like Matthews Bedard is good people just need to Remember the Hawks are garbage so they are gonna get lit up every night witch will impact Bedard's numbers negatively also McDavid had guys like Nugent Hopkins Eberle and Hall

[@enthused7591]

The Great 8 is up there in the Mount Rushmore of hockey dude.. The best scorer of all time and we're talking about he "might not be generational" lol

[@ThaLedg]

Year 2 is often a bit rough on players. The other teams have an entire season of tape on a guy, they adapt to his tendencies and it takes a while for young players to adapt to said defensive adaptations. We also have to consider that Bedard does not have a team number 2 that really takes the pressure off of him. Imo for a guy who is only 19 years old, who is on the smaller side and with the media pressure that he has, he is doing fine. It's unfair to compare him to for ex. McDavid and Crosby The kid definitly has the talent to develop in a perenial Hart contender. He just needs a little time and a little help

[@tuttifrutti8576]

I think Celebrini is looking disgustingly good considering he’s on the Sharks. I’ve been watching their full games and that guy is easily more than NHL ready. He defends way more and better than Bedard and his eye for space when creating plays is amazing. Definitely gonna be a hall of famer if he keeps evolving.

[@Stzu-s2bt55]

As a hawks fan from what I’ve seen from Celebrini. He looks like there is a great future for San Jose. That kid looks good. Not as good as Bedard but still very impressed with his first month in the NHL.

[@lp6702sv]

I was so upset that Celebrini was out for both games against the Hawks earlier this season. Their match up is gonna be insane

[@Stzu-s2bt55]

@@lp6702sv yeah that’s going to be good to see those two young stars go at it.

[@OhYaSure]

@@Stzu-s2bt55how is he not as good as Bedard? They’re not the same player at all. Mack is a 200ft player. He’s a true center. He plays more like Crosby than being opportunistic. I LOVE Bedard. He’s a stud, but Celebrini is a stud in his own way. At this point I’m giving Celebrini a bit of an edge because of his overall game. Gonna be a fun one

[@clout13r]

Ovechkin will be the all time goal leader. I think we can put him with the top dogs

[@biffdanielson2820]

I'm an Avs fan and watched Mackinnon early career struggles. With some of these kids, it takes years to develope.

[@shwnbur77]

He is a bona fide 100 point per season scorer once he gets more experience and has better players around him. A little surprised by his lack of goals this year though. His team isn’t very good right now. His talent is without limits.

[@paulwt9783]

A word on Patrick Kane, who is obviously a generational player by his nature and accomplishments, and who almost all players consider generational, yet who many fans dismiss the idea of him being a generational player. Wayne Gretzky a week or 2 ago went out of his way in TNT pregame to describe Patrick Kane as a generational player. Like he did a whole story about Kane from back in the day just to get in the compliment. Gretzky also started the standing ovation for Kane during the Chelios speech on Chelios night. So that's Gretzky's assessment. -Patrick Kane led his prime decade in points and was 2nd in playoff points. -He is the youngest #1 pick to ever win the Stanley Cup. -He is one of 2 players in NHL history w Hart Ross Lindsay Smythe Calder and 3 Cups. -He's the only one w all that also named NHL Top 100. -He is the only player in NHL history w OT goals to win the 2nd round, conference finals, and Stanley Cup final. -His teams are 16-1 in game 6 in his career. -His first 2 hat tricks were both in series clinching playoff wins. -His only career short-handed goal was in the closing seconds of the game to tie game 5 of a 2-2 series in a year his team won the Cup. -He has 2 of the 7 20+ game point streaks of the last 30 years, including the longest. -He has the 3rd longest assist streak in NHL history. -He is top 15 or so in adjusted points and adjusted assists. -He is tied for 16th all time in 20 goal seasons. -Paul Pidutti's HoF standards system as of last year had Kane 21st best forward career of all time (and that while leaving out a bunch of intangibles). -Pidutti's system also had Kane as one of only 4 players post-lockout - along w Sid, Ovi, McDavid - to be rated #1 overall forward in multiple years by a 3 year avg of adjusted point shares. -Kane was the star player of the only dynasty of the salary cap era, and the only forward in that group who if he didn't score a lot of goals, they didn't go long in the playoffs. Toews once scored 3 goals during a Cup run. Hossa was purely a complementary scorer in the playoffs. It was Kane's show or no show. -Kane is the all time leader in shootout goals and walkoff shootout goals. -He's among the all time leaders in regular season OT points and assists. -He's among the all time leaders in playoff OT goals. -He is a top 3 or top 5 all time player in several important skill categories, and probably top 1 in some - clutch, hands, passing, vision, offensive hockey IQ, showmanship. -2nd all time in points and assists by an American; 1st all time in even strength points and assists by an American -In on the key plays of all 3 Cup clinchers. -Dominated Sid and Geno and their team head to head for his entire career. -Dominated Luongo, Quick, Rinne, Rask, Ryan Miller in the playoffs. -His first NHL score of any kind was a shootout winner vs Dominik Hasek at age 18; also had the last regular season goal ever scored on Hasek. -Has beaten or shown up at some point, usually at an important point, literally just about every other star player or generational type player he has ever competed against in the NHL. Name a player, I'll find you the clip where Kane puts the guy in his highlights. -Has scored arguably like half or more of the most famous NHL goals of the last 20 years, including several of the most iconic in NHL history. -Is so iconic that 2 years in a row an accomplished NHL veteran has scored a series winner and in the biggest moment of his career, did a Kane tribute celly. -3 highest rated Cup finals of the cap era by avg viewership featured Kane -3 largest Cup parades of cap era featured Kane -Kane's team led the league in attendance virtually his entire career; empty stadiums before he arrived -The value of the Blackhawks franchise rose over 1000% from the day Kane was drafted to the day he was traded; he created a juggernaut national brand out of a dormant original 6 team that had never been a huge brand before even when good. He is very much a generational player. He is in fact probably the star player of his generation to the American hockey public. And the most influential player among young hockey players, way more than Sid or Ovi or McDavid. His style of play and general style and his being an American player were all watershed moments for the league and for hockey in America. When you look at the shift in NHL personnel and star players towards Americans, when you look at the skill advancement and showmanship in the game among younger players, that is Kane's influence. Oh and about that clutchness - bc it's real, not just reputation. Kane in games 4-7 of the conference finals: 13gms 9g/14a/23pts Kane in games 4-7 of the Stanley Cup final: 9gms 6g/7a/13pts Those numbers were in the biggest games of the biggest series against the best opponents, in a very low scoring era. It's not just about regular season statistics or the awards that follow them (tho Kane ended up w a chest full of those awards, and great stats). Some guys feel they have better things to do than stat pad prior to their biggest contracts. Not even the playoffs alone got his interest, he wanted prime time in prime time. Don Cherry when talking about Kane a few seasons ago used a great phrase about him - "He actually seems interested this year." People use Kane to put down Bedard. "Eh, Bedard isn't up to the hype. He's a Patrick Kane type player." He wishes. Kane is not someone you use to insult someone else by comparing them to him. He is a one off freak of a player with many accomplishments no one will ever match, and certainly w a set of accomplishments no one will match.

[@michaelshields6326]

Kane has 1 Hart and 1 Art Ross. No rockets. Just not a stacked enough individual career to be considered generational. Crosby, Ovechkin and Malkin all played in the same generation and were better. You can't be generational being the 4th best forward of your era.

[@paulwt9783]

@@michaelshields6326 Malkin was not better than Kane, no. Never the best player on his own team or the best Russian in the league. He was 2nd fiddle on a team that was 2nd fiddle to Kane's. He himself has admitted Kane was better. Also Jagr, a Pens great, has specifically named Kane as the active player he most respects, who could have played in his era successfully and who he enjoys watching - he said in the same breath in which he bashed the modern NHL and said it's not a style of hockey he respects or thinks highly of. At the NHL 100 ceremony when they had the actives up on stage (of whom Malkin was not included, btw), Jagr intentionally snubbed Sid and Ovi, made a show of walking right by them to shake Kane's hand. Guys like Gretzky and Jagr and old school player analysts like Ed Olczyk and Steve Konroyd all speak of Kane in a way that would shock most fans like you who casually dismiss him. I once heard Konroyd - who played w both Gretzky and Lemieux internationally - class Kane w Gretzky and both of them as more special than Lemieux in that they were smarter and always rose to the occasion and got the most out of their talent, while from what he saw personally Mario did not. So I think the opinion of actual top NHL guys may differ greatly from what you think. Kane is a magical player and a true superstar, on and off the ice. And again he could do things and do them at times that no one in league history really could. Kane would do career highlight reel plays in the most contested moments of the biggest playoff games. There's no real way to quantify that. But trust me, the players know. And they know what he is.

[@michaelshields6326]

@@paulwt9783 Better points per game. More Art Ross wins. Conn Smythe winner with one of the best playoff runs of all time. Before McDavid's playoff run last Malkin had the highest scoring playoff run since Lemiuex and Gretzky. Better goal scorer. Won more cups. You go on about Kane's skill but Malkin's highlight reel blows his away. There is no argument for Kane above Malkin. You can't downplay Malkin for playing with Crosby (who he often outplayed in the playoffs) when Kane was on a team with Keith and Toews.Then you fault him for not being the best Russian in the league because he shared an era with Ovechkin (Who at their peaks he literally beat for scoring titles. Talent wise Ovechkin and Malkin are neck and neck) Malkin literally has him beat in almost every single possible metric. But I can see you're Kane fan so I'll let you cook. Also Malkin has never said Kane was better than he is lmao complete nonsense man.

[@remylessard92]

@@michaelshields6326malkin aint better then Kane. Imagine if kane played with Crosby. Kane would have 1500 points rn

[@michaelshields6326]

@@remylessard92 Malkin barely has played with Crosby at even strength in his career. He won a scoring title against prime Ovechkin and Crosby while also leading the playoffs in scoring with one of the best runs of all time with Max Talbot and Ruslan Fedotenko as his wingers. His best season of his career came when Crosby played 22 games. Malkin has him beat in literally almost every measurable metric for their careers. Better regular season numbers. Better playoff numbers. More scoring titles. Better goal scorer. Better peak regular season. Better playoff runs. This is with him dealing with injuries almost every year. A healthy Malkin would make this a laughable comparison. Listening to you guys argue for Kane with logic like "He wasn't the best Russian when he played" when Kane would not be either if he was Russian. What am I supposed to do to give Kane extra points for America producing worse players than Russia?

[@PoleyHeavyCheckmark]

gotta say ovi is generational this guy is close enough to breaking the goal record

[@Stzu-s2bt55]

All of this will go away when he breaks the record. Don’t worry about it. Ovi already is making history. That’s so much better than a term.

[@OhYaSure]

Ovi isn’t generational?? wtf are you talking about. You just lost creds big time.

[@Beavie]

Considering he's got nothing to build off of around him, he's been solid. With nobody around him, 13 points in 17 games is respectable, but as you said, he's got no consistency around him with revolving linemates. Patience is really the key along with good scouting and drafting.

[@GreekboyyD]

Ovechkin dropped 106 points (52 goals/54 assists) as a rookie playing on a line with Chris Clark and Dainius Zubrus. Zubrus was second on the team with 57 points.

[@prezidentjeff]

Anyone looking at Ovechkin as anything other than a once-in-a-generation player needs to shake their heads

[@Looch1717]

Bruh you did Ovechkin dirty by putting him in the same folder as MacKinnon. The guy has 17 major individual awards and is the best goalscorer of all time. If hes no generational.. Mackinnon for reference has..2 major individual award. Crosby has 11. I agree though that Bedard so far looks like he wont be of that absolute top tier, but its too early to tell.

[@petermills-c1h]

The sophomore slump is pretty common in most professional sport. Teams get to know how the good players play: the great players learn to adjust, as Bedard no doubt will.

[@TheSportsKid90]

he needs a line mate that stays there and i still believe he can be generational it’s just the chicago blackhawk that’s killing his development

[@ethanparker7900]

imagine if he was with us playing with ovi or in nashville with stamkos how dope that would be

[@tymacdougall3140]

Ovi defines generational. I don’t think there will ever be another goal scoring superstar with his physicality and size

[@jamesbennett3161]

Ovechkin and McDavid Are probably the only generational players currently Both will be remembered in 50 years

[@Snapshot1965]

Lol crosby...

[@vajrasiddhi]

Generational. Absolutely the lack of a stable, consistent scenario of linemates is a burning issue for him. He’s proven phenomenal throughout this scenario and he’ll prove it more once that situation improves.

[@NK73080]

Ovetchkin is GENERATIONAL. And this is coming from a fliers fan

[@everythingmainecooncat4938]

He needs a 2nd centre in there to take some pressure and matchups off him. McDavid has Drai, Matthews has Tavares and Crosby had/has Malkin. So, yes he needs help on his line, but the rest of the team needs to get better too.

[@everythingmainecooncat4938]

I'm sorry but Nick Foligno just isnt it.

[@Stzu-s2bt55]

Imagine him playing with a two way center. Bedard should play on the wing. He’s losing way too many faceoffs.

[@TreySarver]

Crosby was playing with Lemieux, McDavid was playing with Leon, Bedard is playing by himself.

[@jean-guydaraiche]

lemieux played just a couples of games and retired just after leon was just a rookie like mcdavid and was sent down to the minors to up his game the first year sorry for my english

[@user-yg1dg6xm2g]

Since Bedard got hit and broke his jaw, he hasn't been scoring many goals. I think he's either playing cautiously or realizing that he can't play the same way he did in junior without risking injury in the NHL. He’s likely adjusting his style to fit the faster, more physical game.

[@RS-uv3bd]

Better team and the right system will probably be what takes him to the next level. All the “generational talent” players mentioned didn’t accomplish much until they got incredible talent with them. You could always see the high end potential with those guys, but the stars had to align for them first. And as far as the MacKinnon comparison, he really thrived when Bednar became the coach and was able to implement his system that caters to him and the other talent there. Be patient with Bedard. The Blackhawks were lucky enough to pick him 1st overall for a reason.

[@CP4Z167]

More interesting question is how Bedard stacks up against Cellebrini and Michkov. Way too early to tell, but I honestly don’t know who will come out with the bets career

[@krisrolph1058]

It's for sure a linemate diff, but- and I can't believe no one else is mentioning it, but Bedard is small. This is a guy who has a very talented skillset much alike Crosby, Ovi, McDavid, Matthews, Kucherov, etc., but he's 5'9 and easy to push around. He doesn't have McDavid's speed, Sid's edgework, or Ovi's brute force to compensate for that. Just saying. Imho he is the next Patrick Kane. An elite playmaker with silky hands who can score with ease.

[@trevorlambert4226]

MacKinnon didn't even look like a premiere player, forget generational talent, until his fifth season. I remember people even putting him in the conversation as one of the worst ever 1st overall picks.

[@luigit9321]

Bedard and Marner as linemates will be exceptional.

[@qp2044]

The idea that mackinnon, mathews, and ovi are anything less than generational talents is insane. They are all a bit different in what they do, but they are all absolutely generational talents

[@matt75hooper]

Bedard is out there playing pickup hockey. Defense is an afterthought. -50. Wow. Bedard now plays with those little nicks & dings all players have. This takes it's toll on your offensive play.

[@joebones10]

I knew Bedard was NOT a "generational talent" like a McJesus or Crosby was and that he would need alot of time to really find his place in the NHL. I am soooooo glad that he has someone like Foligno leading him! There is no better person to learn from as an NHL veteran!

[@TimmSpinn]

There was chatter in the offseason about the Hawks going after Jake Guentzel before TBL scooped him up. They messed up by not getting Bedard a right-hand-man. They got Teuvo instead, which feels like a consolation prize. Teuvo is good, but he's no Guentzel. As a Penguins fan from Chicago, of course I'm biased. But that duo could have been deadly. Throw a wildcard like Bertuzzi on the other wing, and who knows what could have happened. But they keep surrounding Bedard with B-listers and expecting a magic show.

[@Overseer190]

Tampa fan here, were being fed with Guentzel on LW

[@blooeagle5118]

He is also 5'10 in a league where the average height is 6'2. Huge effect on how he plays.

[@derfman1792]

Since the '67 expansion, my "generational" list includes: Orr, Lafleur, Gretzky, Lemieux, Jagr, Crosby/Ovi, McDavid, and now Bedard. I think when it's all said and done, we're not gonna have any issues putting Bedard above the McKinnon/Matthews/Sakic/Yzerman group of players. But who knows, time will tell... As far as Jonny Hawkey leaving Ovi off his generational list... In my opinion, Crosby is the better player, but Ovechkin's goal scoring makes it tough for me to leave him off my list. I guess based on that logic, I could also include Mike Bossy with Lafleur, but Idk about my logic sometimes... if you gave me a choice between prime Crosby and prime Ovechkin, I would say "I'd rather have a prime Datsyuk"..... 😉

[@sphenopalatineganglioneuralgia]

Honestly, his second season is looking like Jack Hughes' first season, lol. But last year he delivered, and I think whatever slump he's in now has a reason and will end eventually with him making a great comeback. He's too young and talented not to; 100% he will.

[@jason75]

He's still growing, Ya he's grow into it, get bigger. like Crosby when he first started. But Crosbys in a different league, he's a elite player all around.

[@smoodwoofer]

The hell is this Ovechkin slander

[@edenisburning]

Bedard is smaller than the other generational type players. I think he's learning how to play his game in a league of giants. He'll get there. I think he is more in line with a Jack Hughes type player in the long run.

[@lukenaundorf7084]

He’s still pretty much a point per game player. And I think the leagues getting harder and harder ever generation so I’m not worried about it

[@jimraynor3767]

Corey Perry is his step dad.

[@mrbrian12002]

I was questioning him while he was still in juniors, thought he was under sized and was gonna be just a star, give this kid another good teammate and he will be in the same talks as Crosby and McJesus

[@Tone-Is-Key]

yea doesn't matter just watching him control the puck you know hes going to do some damage soon especially when he gets the right partner

[@zerorush9296]

He isn't generational like a lot of people were hyping him up to be but is still a franchise player just like Kane, Matthews. Chicago definitely needs to put more talent around him though.

[@fubartotale3389]

Wow, brilliant. I'll forward that advice to Kyle Davidson.

[@HarrisMcGovern]

Kane is generational. There are things Kane's done that no other NHLer has ever done. He's a freak who carved out a niche for himself that takes a backseat to no one from his own era or all time, including even Sidney. Pat tooks things from Sidney that Sid really wishes he had. He had the dynasty of the cap era, not Sid. He led their prime decade in scoring, not Sid. He has the longest point streak of the last 30 years, not Sid. He is the youngest 1st overall to win the Cup, not Sid. And he's got all the clutch moments and like all the most memorable goals of the post-2000 NHL, not Sid. Sid's golden goal was his one real Kane like moment.

[@CP4Z167]

Not a leaf’s fan but Matthews is pretty generational. Besides Ovi can’t really name another goal scorer who is putting up numbers like him

[@odyssey9334]

I think you and a lot of people are jumping the gun with labeling him because of the media frenzy last year. It isn't even a quarter way through the season he'll likely be fine and he can prove himself as generational or not

[@jackd8439]

Generational is Gretzky, Lemeiux, Crosby, OV, Mcdavid. Hence the name generational. Only a few every 20-30 years type player. So far Bedard has not come close but he’s super young so time will tell

[@MontgomeryPaulon]

Bedard just needs to grow into his role.

[@Stzu-s2bt55]

Absolutely. Bedard is in his second year and we haven’t seen him in his prime yet. Nobody should have this high expectation for him to carry the team to make the playoffs. They do need the right players to play with him but that’s going to take time as well. In the future when the Hawks start to compete for the playoffs then we can get on Conner to get more points especially when the a team is bad it is hard for a franchise player to get lots of points when nobody is putting the puck in the net.

[@kenkunz1428]

He is 19 years old, and leads his team in scoring. I do think that the line shifting has had a negative effect on the whole team, not just Bedard. The Hawks are not making the playoffs this year, so put Kurashev back on a line with Bedard and keep him there!

[@KevinWood44]

Id love to see Chicago win the lotto for Hagens - watching those 2 play together would be insane

[@Stzu-s2bt55]

Hagens?

[@KevinWood44]

@@Stzu-s2bt55 James Hagens, from LI, freshman at BC pretty sure he is the clear #1 pick in the 2025 draft

[@brandona9326]

They won the lotto too much. Kane - jumped from 5, Bedard - jumped from 3. I'd rather see a team like Philly win it.

[@Stzu-s2bt55]

@@brandona9326 Philly is a better team than Chicago or San Jose. The Flyers are a team that could be a wild card.

[@KevinWood44]

@@brandona9326 I just want to watch great hockey I do not care if San Jose gets what they think is fair. And Philly deserves nothing ever! lol Why not the Islanders? Hometown Long Island kid playing for the Isles would be amazing! They could be a solid team with a little more talent and some defense. Imagine Hagens with Barzal, Horvatt, DuClair, Nelson with Sorokin in net?? That would be a fast team with remarkable passing. They would be 2-3 pieces from a solid contender.

[@zodiac5375]

I think the McDavid comp is unfair bc they’re very different players. The Matthews comp is definitely closer but also different. He’s his own unique player and I think he’ll put up gaudy numbers someday (hopefully)

[@dawsonholdsworth5371]

Bettesy keeps being forced to playing with hand me downs. Even comparing to Matthews, the Leafs intentionally have teammates for him to play with to make the team better. Its like racing nascar with out a pit crew.

[@LouieNJ]

People love to be critical and expect these kids to just carry everything immediately. He's also still coming off a head injury and those can take time to get back to 100%.

[@despy9600]

Did you really just compare Mackinnon with Ovechkin?

[@KarlisKalnins-f7m]

I think we can all agree that the next generational player is Gavin Mackenna

[@Aaron_LH]

The fact that people were expecting Mcdavid 2.0 is bananas to me

[@odyssey9334]

Dude nobody was expecting him to be as good as mcdavid, people expect him to be in that same realm as mcdavid and crosby

[@flamefn6]

although it’s disappointing i think it can turn around , he seems to defer more and look to be a bit more of a play maker so far at the nhl level then a pure goal scorer but maybe that comes later in his career, big hawks fan but he looks to me more like kane then mcdavid just by style of play but the kid also struggles at the face off dot so maybe he is a fit for the wing long term

[@mountain3301]

Consider also his development momentum. When linemates rotate so often and there's (sorry) not substantial skill around him, the development will slow. Only time will tell, but I think at the elite levels you need elite players to sharper your ability. Otherwise you're growth is stunted.

[@SimplyTheBestCSGO]

Bedard is similar to Cole Caufield.... I think Caufield is a better scorer but Bedard is overall a better player but both are similar in size, build and skills. I think he was overhyped, not on McDavid, Draisaitl, Matthews, Ovechkin, Crosby levels etc but still a top 1 great centermen. Let's just stop comparing him to the greatness of the sport

[@Stzu-s2bt55]

I would say Bedard is overall better than Caufield but he’s scoring consistently is better than Bedard. Also you’re absolutely right I wish people would stop comparing generational talent players.

[@odyssey9334]

What?? Sorry but this was a bad comparison, Cole Caufield hasn't proved himself yet. Beside that, Yes Bedard hasn't met expectations so far this season. But this dude absolutely has the opportunity to prove himself as that Crosby type player

[@m.fheagle3286]

5’ 9.73” 185lbs, it’s going to take time for him to adjust to the size and physicality of the national league.

[@Alexirongatewelding]

So close to landing Cellebrini too..

[@ImANoob3]

IMO Nate is a generational player

[@Stzu-s2bt55]

When a franchise player is drafted. Scouts and people that work around the development give the player like Crosby Generational Talent Status. Only a few players have had. Sidney Crosby,John Tavares, Conner Mcdavid, Connor Bedard. It is a stupid way they say who’s better but that’s why the question of what is a Generational talent. I’m not saying at all Nate isn’t. He should have that status but my opinion has been one of the greatest players of all time.

[@Duck-gk3rq]

@@Stzu-s2bt55 he wasn't talking about that LMFAO, he obviously said Gretzky meaning it wasn't that...

[@michaelshields6326]

I think it's insane that people call Mackinnon generational but won't even mention Kucherov. You know, the guy who has beaten a healthy McDavid for two scoring titles in McDavid's prime while also having two 30+ point playoff runs. What argument is there for Mackinnon over Kucherov? Mackinnon just had by far the best year of his career and still got outscored by Kucherov.

[@Duck-gk3rq]

@@michaelshields6326 well yeah, Kucherov is a beast, he never gets the respect or recognition he deserves because he's Russian. I can guarantee if he was American or Canadian he would have way more buzz + way more awards.

[@ImANoob3]

@@michaelshields6326 Yeah, your right, Kuch should be considered generational

[@Dieffuse]

Great way to explain it

[@shadowyface]

Holy, I lost my mind when Ovechkin wasn't considered a generational talent.

[@jeremyfalkner9223]

If he spends the rest of this season in junior to develop properly then I think he could be almost as good as Braden Point. I’m hoping for the kid, fingers crossed.

[@brandona9326]

Tbh, Mich is probably the best player in that draft. He's been unreal.

[@pickachu69]

Some look at his stats and wonder why he’s on the four nations team. He’s not a mackinnon or a Mathew’s he’s a Peterson like player

[@malcolmapplet4313]

They're asking a lot from him and Cellibrini. I don't think they are a "carry the team on his back" player like Ovi, McKinnon, McDavid, at least at this very early stage of their careers. Next they will be getting the LaFreniere treatment...

[@m____w____6981]

Bedard, what is he? How about "over rated"

[@yadayadayada360]

McD has Leon, Crosby has Gino, Bedard had a broken jaw, and has a cast of misfits and has-beens who have become journeymen.

[@casewojo6186]

It’s possible Bedards style just won’t translate into elite NHL talent. It’s possible but it’s still early. I think he’ll be fine.

[@brenzyc8703]

in what world is Ovechkin not a generational tallent???

[@iRedtracx]

if he would f.e. be an oiler he would pop off way more because of competent teammates/team in my opinion

[@cory99998]

he'll be fine

[@SmokeyTheMarshmallow]

MacKinnon is generational for sure

[@fubartotale3389]

What is he? He's a 19 year old kid in his second professional season on a very mediocre team, and on an even more mediocre team last year, that was decimated by injuries and contract terminations. Passing judgement on the kid now is beyond stupid.

[@Stzu-s2bt55]

I know the fans that keep saying he’s going to leave the Hawks or saying he’s not as good as the other franchise players is so dumb.

[@the.wayne.b]

the line juggling is crazy in chicago right now. i'd be pissed if i was him.

[@joeSaysThings]

It’s hard to produce when you’re the focus of an entire team’s defensive strategy. If you have. No one to pass to, then they can play you closer, and harder. If your team doesn’t have a second or third line to worry about, the. They can ensure they always match your line with the top defenders and defensive center. All top end players need a “relief valve” for defensive pressure. Bedard is no different.

[@ittirutak1058]

Imagine being so close to breaking a Gretzky record and not being considered a generational player

[@Zahava]

The only thing holding Bedard back is that he hasn't been traded to the Canucks yet.

[@Adam_Adam_Adam]

People gotta lay off him he's 19 and is still performing as one of the best players in the nhl